One word can define the efforts during the month of May, collaboration.

Throughout the month, we were diligently working with multiple local chambers, including our affiliate, the Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce, to help assemble a few networking opportunities for our members.

Beginning in May, the Assyrian American Chamber of Commerce co-hosted an after hours business networking event that hosted a myriad of business members from both the AACC and the Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce, resulting in relationships being built that may not have been achieved before.

“It always seems to close the circle for me whenever I’ve attended these events. The interactions I sometimes make during the regular course of business don’t always come to fruition. After meeting the folks that represent those companies through the types of events the [Assyrian American] Chamber has been hosting, I’m much more interested in working with those businesses.”

— Tim Ardam, President- Synergy Logistics

Representatives from the Assyrian American Chamber of Commerce and Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce, left to right: Dr. Timothy Youkhana, Executive Director of the Assyrian American Chamber of Commerce; Michael Atto, Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce; Jeanine Commo, Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce; Richard Block, Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce

Throughout the course of May, our committee team was also successfully assembled, placing representatives in roles necessary to carry the responsibilities of ensuring the integrity and success of the Assyrian American Chamber of Commerce continues. The roles filled by our committee members include: Treasurer, Accountant, Director of Fund Acquisition, Director of Membership Acquisition, Event Coordinator, Director of Compliance, and Director of Digital Content.

As mentioned, the word of the month was collaboration. On May 16th, the Assyrian American Chamber of Commerce, along with 6 other local Chambers, (Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce, Skokie Chamber of Commerce, Niles Chamber of Commerce, Lincolnwood Chamber of Commerce, Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce and Glenview Chamber of Commerce) held an after hours networking event at Lin-Mar and Service King in Morton Grove. The event had a wonderful turnout with many business members interacting who may not have met before.

In a look ahead, the Assyrian American Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Golf outing on June 13th at Chevy Chase along with the Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce and the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce. Register your foursome here, or if you're looking to sponsor or advertise at the event register here. Don't golf? Join us on the 19th hole for dinner, drinks and an awesome raffle (raffle tickets available here) with a grand prize of $1500!

Last but not least, we would like to give a quick shoutout to our newest member to renew with the Assyrian American Chamber of Commerce, The Law Offices of Paul A. Youkhana.

Kha'b Nissan, or the 1st of April, marked our Assyrian nation's 6767 new year. A year of promise and hope, among times of despair in the homeland. With our diaspora continuing to be dispersed throughout the world, its our hope at the Assyrian American Chamber of Commerce to bring one aspect of the Assyrian nation together, which is our business owners.

These are the people we represent. Those who provide jobs to people who may not have the capability to do so elsewhere. Who are able to put food on their family's tables through their dedication, entrepreneurship and perseverance in the face of negativity. Our members share inspiring stories of their upbringings, of their road to accomplishing their goals of starting their own business and what the fruits of their labor are able to provide not only for their family, but their community as well.

At our networking events that will be scheduled throughout the course of the year, it's a great opportunity to get to meet and hear some of these people's stories. Over the course of the past few months, I have gotten to know and hear many inspirational tales, all of which are unique in their own right.

Over the course of April, we were persistent and diligent in our efforts. Many of our previous roles have been filled within the Chamber, allowing the continuation of our efforts and delegation of tasks to ensure it's success. In addition, we have been in discussions with the Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce and Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce to host a joint golf outing scheduled for June 13th. Details will be available shortly.

A look ahead to May:

Join us at our co-hosted after hours networking event with the Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce at Las Fuentes in Morton Grove on May 3rd from 6-9pm for drinks and snacks. There is no charge for recently renewed members, guests $20.

2016 came and went pretty quickly. Unfortunately for the Chamber, in left more of a whimper than the roar our initiators had hoped for.

With over 140 members of the Assyrian Chamber of Commerce, we had many opportunities to meet with each other, enjoy the company of one another, and met with leading political candidates to make sure the business owners voices were heard. The progress made in the short amount of time spoke volumes to the potential that the Chamber in the great city of Chicago had. Our business leaders here are second to none, and we hope that 2017 will ignite the same passion we had in the beginning to become a part of something greater than ourselves.

Please stay tuned, and active, for 2017 will bring forth a new era for our community. Our goals for the Chamber are greater than ever, and we've heard your voices in creating a better value proposition for our members. Although we'll be striving to negotiate deals on our members behalf, please feel free to reach out to us at any time if you may have any ideas that could help.

The Assyrian Chamber of Commerce would like to wish you, your families and loved ones, all a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season. Here's to bringing in a great 2017!